Tags: Links, Golf, Round, Score

Today (Saturday) was the Christmas CompFinal & I had been told I was to be1st Reserve, so should anyone scratch I would take their place. 
The evening before, I was abusing my liver with Vic, imbibing off our usual tipple (Glayva).  We had managed to remove the contents from one bottle and begin to start on the next when Vic decided it was time to go home (he won a place in the above comp).  As he walked home he resembled a sailor struggling to find his footing after losing his "Sea-legs".  I thought it only prudent to retire to bed and the comforting arms of my dearwife.

Along came this morning and as I looked out the window I understood what theWeather Girl had said "Very Windy with intervals of Rain from theWest".  It didn't look inviting at all. 
The 1st group were due to go off at 10.30 so I phoned the club to ask if I was playing, no one scratched.  I was surprised considering the forecast.  I had decided to go along at 10.15 just in case.  I could always sit in the clubhouse bar (with a coffee) and see the lads off.  On my arrival, I was told I would be in the group leaving at 11.30.  That would give me time for a hearty breakfast.  I looked on the Match board and found I would be playing with Vic & another guy.  I phoned him to break the news onlyto find he has also scratched saying he was feeling a bit unwell. Despite what you might think, I didn’t knobble him. 

I made myself known to James my partner forthe comp and we duly marched over to the 1st Tee.  We both had that many layers of clothing on that we looked to have gained 20 pounds in an hour.  Such was the weather.  Our course is links and as such is right on the coast (one of the longest bunkers is the shore to the left of the fairway, runs from the 1st to the 3rd hole) and is open fully to the elements.  We made the customary pleasantries of wishing each other well and then spent the next 3 holes griping about the conditions.  Then again, they are the same for everyone on the day. 

I made a steady start and was very pleased with myself until I came to the 6th, then the “Golf Gods” took their pound of flesh, I carded a 9 after blasting my tee shot out of bounds, my game became regimental, Left Right Left Right. Eventually I putted out and began cursing the weather, light, ground,clubs, even the local wildlife.   

This was my card:

Hole          1   2   3   4   5   6  7   8   9   10   11  12   13   14   15   16   17   18   Total
Par            4   4   4  4   3   4   4   3   4     4     4    4     4     3     4     4     3     4       68
Score        5   4   5   5   4   9  5   5   4     5     5    5     5     4     5     5     4     3       87

 With my handicap of 20, my score was a Net67.  The winner carded a Net 64, second had a Net67, I finished 3rd on count-back and was well pleased.

Not bad as I was only 1st reserve,  I thought it only proper to thank the “GolfGods” for their understanding, one shabby hole I can put up with if I get such a good result.

Tags: Medal, Round, Tourny, Comp, Golf, Score, Course, Prize, Partner
After playing golf every day last week, and very well I might add, THE GOLF GODS took their pound of flesh.
On Saturday gone, I played in the Major Club Medal.  There was £500.00 worth of prizes up for grabs, with the main prize being a Flat Screen TV.  I won't go into each hole but will say I returned a net 72 after recording 2 x 8's & a 9 on my card.  I cannot blame the weather, I cannot blame the course even though they have top-dressed them.  It was the same for everyone.  I just blew out on three holes.  The only consolation was that my usual playing partner Vic, won the TV with a net score of  67.  I was still  on the prize table in the end. 
I did predict they would take it back but in the middle of the major competition, so malicous.

Tags: Stableford, Par, Birdie, Bogey, Golf, Course, Card, Round, Score, Points
Today I arranged to play with a couple of friends who had time off work.  We made the 1st Tee at 09.00am with great weather, no wind, none of the predicted rain, broken sunshine.  We decided to play Stableford format.  Now this is something to my advantage as I am currently playing off 20 while they are off 10 & 16 respectively.
My drive off the 1st was ugly, in the light rough to the left of the Fairway.  I thought the Golf Gods were going to take their revenge for my previous outing, but I managed to scrape a bogey for it.  From then on all went well and I finished with a very impressive 44 points.  However, we were all square on points on the 17th when John pulled off an incredible Chip-in for Birdie.  I thought OKay, I am the only one of the group to have a shot on the 18th and usually not far away, so might pull off the draw.  Sadly it was not to be as John again pulled out another Birdie.  I ended up losing a £1 coin & my Pro V1 to him as did Gary our other companion.  John carded 47 points & Gary had 39.  All in all, it was a very good mornings golf.

My card.
Hole           1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18    Total
Par             4   4   4   4   3   5   3   4   4    5     3     4     4     4     4     4     3     4       70
Score         5   4   5   5   3   5   3   5   3    6     4     5     6     4     5     6     4     5       83
Points         2   3   2   2   3   3   3   2   4    3     2     2     1     3     3     1     3     2       44

Tags: Golf, Round, Score, Putt, Par, Birdie, Bogey, Swing, Hole
I am currently on a weeks holiday (vacation) from work.  I am getting in as much golf as possible (wife permitting).  Over the past 4 days I have played 1x9 holes & 3x18 holes.  I have played in one tournament (the Bogey) and the rest have been Bounce games off the Yellow Tees.  Yesterday (Monday) I played out of my skin and went round 10 below handicap. 

Hole  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18   Out   In    Tot

Par    4  4  4  4  3  5  3  4  4   5    3    4    4    4    4    4    3     4     35   35    70

Score 6  5  4  4  3  6  4  4  4  6    4    4    5    5    5    4    3     4     40    40    80


My swing was consistant, my putting near perfect, my mindset was clear of any negativity.  The weather was very mild for our time of year, with no wind & some sunshine.  I could almost see every shot I intended to make.  My playing partner didn't fare so well and my game seemed to have an effect on his.
Who knows when the Golf Gods will exact their revenge.  usually when you least need it.

Tags: Golf, Round, Score, Par, Birdie, Bogey, Coffee, Handicap
Being a Sunday, our club holds an "Enter on Arrival" comp for its members. 
Todays format was 'Bogey', that is to say you record a + for a Birdie, 0 for a Par, - for a Bogey.  (handicap adjusted)
I played to front nine reasonably well and had a score of +4, then I began the homeward stretch.  Try as I might, I could not improve my score and was getting annoyed with myself (I tend to mumble a lot to myself or go really quiet) so much that my playing companions actually commented on it (sorry lads).  I played holes 10 - 15 to par and then "the worm turned".  I Bogied the 16th & 17th to drop two points.  The 18th loomed ahead, I pulled out my driver, determined not to leave my self anywhere short.  My tee shot finished about 20yds in front of the Green, I chipped on only to see my ball run 20+ft past.  I then 3 putted to finish on +2 for the round.  I shook hands with the lads and walked silently back to the car.  I was constantly looking around for a dog to kick (no such luck).   My companions recorded scores of +5 & +7.  They both played very well and steadily through out which with hindsight is amazing given my demeanour towards the end of the day.

The only ray of sunshine in my day was that I didn't have to pay for the Coffees & Bacon Rolls.

Tags: Card, Score, Result, Round, Play, Birdie, Par, Bogey. Course, Golf
Todays  (Sat) Card
Hole         1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12   13  14  15  16  17  18
Total Par  4  4  4  4  3  5  3  4  4    5    3    4    4    4    4    4    3    4    70
Score       5  4  5  4  3  7  4  5  4    7    4    3    4    5    5    5    4    4    83
I came off feeling I could have done a lot better.  2 x 7's which are card busters, plus 9 other bogies. 
I did have 1 birdie and felt good for a while.  Golf is the cruelest of sports.
My Drives were all on the fairway but my short game & putting really let me down. 
I was either lifting up or rushing through the swing. 
To cap it all off, I had to buy the Bacon Rolls but not the coffee (we play farthest  from the pin with 2nd shot on the 18th pays), that was down to Vic this time. 
The weather was Sunny, a warm 14*, slight SE breeze. 

No game on Sunday as the Ladies Section are holding their annual Open.  But I will go down to give moral support.  Some very talented female golfers in our club & have a fair following.

Mid-week Medal on Wednesday to look forward to.

Tags: Round, Score, Shot, Par, Bogie, Birdie, Course, Golf
Well here it is, Todays round.  The weather was very good, sunny with no wind.
I played with 2 other guys one of whom brought a new twist to the game.  He explained that when he plays with his usual squad, they play for the ball on the 18th.  I had never heard of this before, it was either beers, coffee, or lunch, even a quid.  I noticed he teed up with a different ball when we got there.  But he won the lot any way.

Hole    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18   Total
Par      4  4  4  4  3  5  3  4  4    5    3    4    4    4    4    4    3    4     70
Score   6  5  5  5  3  5  4  5  4   7    3    4    5    6    4    5    3    6     85

It's a strange game!

Tags: Round, Result, Score, Course, Card, Golf
Looking back on the weekend, it has been a time of mixed fortunes. 
On Saturday, with the exception of the the 1st hole, I had a great round.  Playing off the yellows, I carded a round total of 81.  It seemed I was able to see all the shots in my mind before I played them.  My club selection was very accurate for a change.  My putting was good also.  So finished in a very happy mood.
Then along came Sunday.  We played in a Stableford comp.  All seemed well going along scoring on all holes (either 1, 2, or 3 points) to have 21 at the turn.  Then the course took its revenge for the day before.  I carded 10 points on the back nine for a total of 31.  My companions were 43 & 45 respectively.  needless to say I was very quiet over my Pie & Pint.  It's is a cunning game we play.  We have high expectations of how our game is developing only to be brought back to earth with a resounding crash.  The plus side was the weather, Dry Warm & light cloud.

Tags: Round, Result, Score, Card, Golf
Date Sat 1st Sept 07
Time on Tee 8.30am. Yellows 5814yds Par 70 SSS 68
Weather. Bright with an Easterly Breeze.
43 out, 40 in = 83 (no lost balls & no penalties)
1 birdie, 5 pars, 9 Bogies, 3 Dbogies

Getting better all the time.